What’s in season? How to choose safe winter veggies for your small pets

If you’re stocking up on root vegetables for roasting, or punnets of appetising fruits, don’t forget that there are some seasonal goodies that our small pets can enjoy too. As long as you know which winter fruits and veggies are safe for different small furries to eat, you can brighten up their day and boost their nutrition.

Top picks for the winter season according to BBC Good Food and The Association of Dieticians include a rich harvest of fruits such as apples and pears, hearty vegetables such as parsnips, swede and Jerusalem artichoke, along with nutrition-packed leafy greens such as kale and watercress.

When it comes to small pets, along with theirnutritious nuggets, tasty hay and healthy snacks,including somefresh food is an important part of their nutrition plan.

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However, every small pet has very specific nutritional requirements and, importantly, there are lots of fresh foods that are not safe for them to eat. That’s why it’s essential to know what’s what when it comes to choosing fresh food for your small furries.

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Fresh food – a little goes a long way

How much you feed is also important. For many small pets, too much fresh food can cause painful indigestion and upset tummies. Check with your vet, but as a guideline, you can feed the following amounts:

• Rabbits – A handful of suitable leafy greens, herbs and vegetables per bunny, per day
• Guinea pigs – A teacup sized amount of fresh greens per day for each piggy
• Chinchillas and degus – Around a teaspoon a day of fresh herbs and leafy greens a day, per pet, with a small cube of suitable veg as an occasional treat.
• Rats – A couple of small cubes of safe veggies a day for each of your rat pack
• Hamsters, gerbils and mice – An occasional sliver of suitable fruit or vegetables as a treat

NEW! Treat your small pets to deliciously munchy Forage & Feast Mini Bales with Rosehip >>

Seasonal fruits – who can eat what?

• Apples – Small slices are safe for guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice (remove the core as the pips are toxic)
• Cranberries – Rabbits and guinea pigs (in moderation)
• Pears – Small slices are safe for hamsters, gerbils and rats (remove the core as the pips are toxic)
• Quince – Small slices of this tart, apple-like fruit are safe for rabbits and guinea pigs (remove the core as the pips are toxic)

Seasonal veg – who can eat what?

• Beetroot greens – Rabbits
• Brussels Sprouts – Rabbits and guinea pigs
• Cabbage (dark green varieties) – Rabbits, rats and hamsters
• Carrots – Guinea pigs (who will particularly enjoy the leafy carrot tops), chinchillas, degus, rats, hamsters, gerbils and mice
• Cauliflower – Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters and mice
• Celery – Rabbits and guinea pigs
• Jerusalem Artichokes – Rabbits
• Kale – Guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus
• Pak choi – Guinea pigs
• Parsnips – Rabbits
• Red cabbage – Rabbits and guinea pigs
• Radicchio – Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus
• Swede – Rabbits
• Swiss chard – Guinea pigs
• Turnips – Rabbits
• Watercress – Rabbits

FRESH FOODS TO AVOID include: rhubarb, lettuce, citrus fruits, grapes, potatoes, avocado, onion, leeks and garlic. If you’re not sure if something is safe for your small pets to eat, then it’s best not to give it to them as it could make them very ill. Always ask your vet for advice.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – Seasonal favourite, limited edition Winter Berry Bakes are in stock! >>

Burgess Pet Care in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB MRCVS advises: “Feeding suitable fresh foods daily is particularly important for rabbits and guinea pigs and, as occasional treats, can add variety to the diets of our smallest pets such as chinchillas, degus, gerbils, hamsters, mice and rats. In addition, as part of a balanced diet, healthy treats, such as forage mixes, fresh veg and herbs and hay-based treats can play a vital part in adding interest and enrichment to your small pets’ day.”

LIMITED EDITION! Check out our Excel Treats Selection Box for small furries>>

SERVE UP ONLY THE VERY BEST DINNER FOR YOUR SMALL PETS!

During the winter, your small pets may need a little extra food to maintain their body temperature and condition – so give them something nutritious and delicious!

At Burgess, all our foods for small pets is made at our factory in the heart of Yorkshire, using only ingredients that meet our stringent specifications. With a long tradition of supporting British farmers, we actively source all our ingredients as close to our mill as possible and have launched many innovations. These include the world’s first food specifically formulated for indoor rabbits andthe world’s first indoor guinea pig nuggets which are made with a calm formula.

It’s no surprise that 92% of UK vets recommend our Burgess Excel small pets range!

• Check out our tasty nugget varieties specially created for junior and dwarf rabbits, indoor bunnies, golden oldies, adult rabbits – there’s even a light recipe for buns who are watching their weight!
• All Burgess Excel guinea pig nuggets, feeding hay and healthy treats are made with the finest ingredients that meet our stringent specifications and homegrown grass that’s exclusive to Burgess – no other pet food manufacturer has access to our grass!
• Burgess Excel has also developed nutrition-packed food for chinchillas and degus, hamsters, gerbils and mice, pet rats and ferrets.

And, with a fantastically nibbly range of healthy snacks available, there are all sorts of 100% natural, tasty treats to reward your small pets!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE SMALL PETS

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CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for all your pets from Burgess, the pet experts. Training, nutrition, grooming and general care. It’s all here >>

PET TALK If you love animals and want the latest pet news, expert advice and top tips, head over to the BURGESS BLOG >>

Are your small pets Burgess small pets? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers and rewards.

• You can also sign up to the Excel Bunny Base – a safe Facebook community for rabbit guardians that are looking for advice and friendly discussions from likeminded owners – and there are lots of cute bunny photos and videos!
• Or why not join the Excel Squeak Squad on Facebook? Find advice and enjoy friendly discussions with likeminded guinea pig owners. You can also join Berry & Bramble, our special G-force guinea pigs, on weekly missions and fun competitions.

12 fascinating facts you may not know about Burgess Pet Care! >>

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